Monkeying with Literature c. 1877 - 1878

William Merritt Chase created this oil on canvas painting titled, *Monkeying with Literature*. The composition is immediately striking: a cascade of books, a draped red cloth, and perched precariously atop it all, a monkey. Chase uses a muted palette, bringing a somber tonality to the scene. The brushstrokes are loose and suggestive, particularly in the background and the rendering of the books. The monkey is rendered with more precision, drawing our eye to its almost human-like gaze. The contrast between the detailed monkey and the more gestural treatment of the books might suggest a commentary on the nature of knowledge itself. Is Chase implying that the raw, unfiltered instincts of the animal are somehow in opposition to the structured world of literature? The playful title suggests that Chase himself might be questioning the boundaries of intellectual pursuits. The painting remains a space for ongoing interpretation.